The Prince of Wales's attendance at the 2013 State Opening of Parliament and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting are part of a broader pattern of Charles assuming more public duties in his role as future King.

Now I know that TSOOP cannot be the most thrilling thing, but one wonders if it took place when the POW usually has a nap.Did they give him a sleeping pill or something? Is he ill?

If I have to listen to something that is detailed and intense, such as this speech, I find that if I close my eyes I can concentrate on what is being said far easier than if there are all sorts of distractions around me.

Now I know that TSOOP cannot be the most thrilling thing, but one wonders if it took place when the POW usually has a nap.Did they give him a sleeping pill or something? Is he ill?

I'd imagine that closing one's eyes might help one concentrate a little better, and I bet there are a lot of things to distract oneself with (visually that is) during this particular event. I know that if I had no vision issues and were present at the ceremony, I'd be looking all over the place, and not paying attention to a word that was being said. Perhaps His Highness can be easily distracted?

__________________"My guiding principles in life are to be honest, genuine, thoughtful and caring".
~Prince William~

I'd imagine that closing one's eyes might help one concentrate a little better, and I bet there are a lot of things to distract oneself with (visually that is) during this particular event. I know that if I had no vision issues and were present at the ceremony, I'd be looking all over the place, and not paying attention to a word that was being said. Perhaps His Highness can be easily distracted?

Makes sense.When I was distracted in school, my aide would take me for a walk, or let me read a book, but Charles cannot get up and leave, or pull out a book can he? I bet that's exactly what he was doing.

True. When I was distracted in school, my aide would take me for a walk, or let me read a book, but Charles cannot get up and leave, or pull out a book can he? I bet that's exactly what he was doing.

I do that with my kids too. I bet His Highness may wish at moments like this that he were indeed in a situation where leaving for a little bit to get one's thoughts together was allowed and acceptable.

__________________"My guiding principles in life are to be honest, genuine, thoughtful and caring".
~Prince William~

I do that with my kids too. I bet His Highness may wish at moments like this that he were indeed in a situation where leaving for a little bit to get one's thoughts together was allowed and acceptable.

This is just my opinion - but he needs to notice and learn his mum's facial expressions. She has this look that says "I'm in charge, and this may be too droll but I am sucking it up because I am tough as heck and I won't let them see me being less than THE QUEEN"

Do you know the look I mean? She doesn't look happy, but she does look like she is listening, though her thoughts may be a bit dark or skeptical. But she never shows that she is bored. He needs to learn that look.

We all do this in out jobs - slap on a face because it all goes better when we do. He needs to as well, IMHO.

This is just my opinion - but he needs to notice and learn his mum's facial expressions. She has this look that says &quot;I'm in charge, and this may be too droll but I am sucking it up because I am tough as heck and I won't let them see me being less than THE QUEEN&quot;

Do you know the look I mean? She doesn't look happy, but she does look like she is listening, though her thoughts may be a bit dark or skeptical. But she never shows that she is bored. He needs to learn that look.

We all do this in out jobs - slap on a face because it all goes better when we do. He needs to as well, IMHO.

Oh, definitely! My mom and dad often comment on how much Charles needs to learn this!

This is just my opinion - but he needs to notice and learn his mum's facial expressions. She has this look that says "I'm in charge, and this may be too droll but I am sucking it up because I am tough as heck and I won't let them see me being less than THE QUEEN"

Do you know the look I mean? She doesn't look happy, but she does look like she is listening, though her thoughts may be a bit dark or skeptical. But she never shows that she is bored. He needs to learn that look.

We all do this in out jobs - slap on a face because it all goes better when we do. He needs to as well, IMHO.

I totally know what you mean. I personally love the look that she seems to often get when people sing "God Save the Queen." It's very... "Damn right, I am the Queen and you will sing!"

No - don't know the look you mean. She often looks bored when listening to speeches and always has done so.

Absolutely true. I watched the State Opening of Parliament steaming live last night and whilst Charles looked pensive (which he often does during speeches) I didn't think he looked "bored" at any stage.

When it comes to photos we have to remember the shutter speed of cameras and that the picture we see was an expression that lasted a fraction of a second and, for the most part, The Queen is almost alway shown in a good light, the same cannot be said of Charles. It is like they go out of the way to show him in a poor light.

__________________MARG"Words ought to be a little wild, for they are assaults of thoughts on the unthinking." - JM Keynes

Prince Charles has been at Watisham today, presenting medals to Harry's unit for their service in Afghanistan. What he has to say about the Air Corps, eir families and the insight into his relationship with Harry is worth reading.

It also mentions other info about BRF but that is just repeat info. The stuff about today's visit is new - which is why it's on this thread.

__________________

This precious stone set in the silver sea,......This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England,

The DM on the POW at Wattisham today. There are nice photos and the piece is less snarky than usual.

Photos of the Prince show him to be very animated today. It must make a difference to know that these are Harry's comrades in arms. As much as the POW always looks engaged when visiting troops, I am sure this is a bit more meaningful for him.

The DM on the POW at Wattisham today. There are nice photos and the piece is less snarky than usual.

Photos of the Prince show him to be very animated today. It must make a difference to know that these are Harry's comrades in arms. As much as the POW always looks engaged when visiting troops, I am sure this is a bit more meaningful for him.

Reading this article, I happened to look over at the other DM "news" and noticed that the King and Queen of Sweden are in NYC visiting Princess Madeleine and will be a few other places on the East Coast on official business, the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway have been in Texas and California this past week, and now Harry is in Washington D.C.

Are there any other royals that would like to come visit the USA? We'll treat you nice, promise.